NEW KILCOY CREEK BRIDGE WON’T BE SO CREEKY

An 85-year-old timber bridge carrying the D’Aguilar Highway over Kilcoy Creek will be replaced later this year with a new 15-metre-long, two-lane concrete bridge.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian and Queensland governments were jointly funding the $5.88 million project under the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.

“Around Australia, we are investing in making roads safer to make sure people can get home sooner and safer, as well as boosting productivity,” Mr McCormack said.

“The new bridge will improve road safety, road freight productivity and community connections for local motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.”

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the Kilcoy Creek Bridge was an essential part of the state’s freight network, which is vital for the local, state and national economy.

“The current bridge is becoming costly to maintain and load limits to protect it would significantly impact freight transport and the businesses that rely on road transport,” Mr Bailey said.

“This upgrade will also improve the nearby carpark at Anzac Park at the entrance to Kilcoy with a new turn-around facility and formalised parking bay.”

Mr Bailey confirmed detailed design for the new bridge was complete and tenders for construction would be called in the coming months. Construction is expected to start in mid-2019.

“Our investments in road projects not only make sure Queenslanders drive on better roads, but also provide an important economic boost and create jobs in communities around the state,” he said.

Senator for Queensland Amanda Stoker said the new structure, located between Caboolture and Kilcoy, will be sturdier and almost twice as wide as the existing bridge.

“Once completed, the bridge will take a high volume of heavy freight traffic along the D’Aguilar Highway, providing the freight industry with the sturdiest, safest crossing available,” Senator Stoker said.

The $5.88 million new Kilcoy Bridge project is jointly funded, with both the Australian and Queensland governments committing $2.94 million.